28 Week Check-up

Here's my update from the Dr. appointment this morning:
Glucose Screening: 123--I passed :) No gestational diabetes for me. 
Blood Pressure: 110/62--which we thought was pretty low but the nurse wasn't concerned
Weight:  139.7--I've gained 27lbs since I found out I was pregnant. Yikes!  The doc said it's nothing to worry about, so I'm going with that--bring on Christmas lunch and dinner!
Belly Button: successfully poking out--where are the band-aids???

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year..."

I love love love the Christmas season! Our house is sea of green and red with some twinkling lights mixed into the fold. I'm so excited to celebrate and visit with family and friends this season. As I was putting up the ornaments and other decorations, I couldn't help but think how different things will be next year.  Megan will be about 10 months and definitely mobile in one way or another. I doubt I will feel so comfortable leaving our ornaments and breakables strewn about on the floor. We also will bring her to our favorite Christmas tree farm where you can drink warm apple cider and listen to the Charlie Brown Christmas cd as you pick out the perfect tree. It's like we've stepped into Mayberry whenever we go.  I love it :-)

And the beat goes on...

Today we head to our 28 week doctor's appointment. In about 1 1/2 hours I'll be drinking a pretty sugary mixture aimed at testing whether or not I have gestational diabetes.  I'm not looking forward to that, but hopefully all will be well. More and more I am beginning to feel the pangs of pregnancy--mostly in my lower back and feet. I can neither sit or stand for long periods of time which is a bit annoying.  Reclining is also an issue.  I probably wake-up between 5 and 10 times a night just to re-adjust and get in a comfortable position. 

I've started reading aloud The Hunger Games series to Megan. I've been so disappointed that I haven't had time to finish the second book, that I thought 'why not kill two birds with one stone.' So...I am hosting my own little read aloud to her.  Sure it's taking me a lot longer than reading silently, but I like that we are both experiencing the book together. I hope this sparks a love of literature and how words can make music when put in the right order.

We are still working on getting Megan's room finished. I have hung and folded her clothes. I'm holding off on washing them for right now. We still need to purchase the dresser and crib and a few other essentials.  I'm oddly enough not too concerned.  It feels like there is plenty of time before Megan comes, but I'm probably just kidding myself. 

Gratitude

My heart has never been filled with more thanks and gratitude than this past Thanksgiving.  I spent the break from school doing exactly what I love: visiting with family and friends and nesting! Pregnancy has taught me a lot about myself.  Most importantly, it has taught me that the relationships I build with people are so much more important than my to-do-list. 

My sister came over this past week and helped me organize my house.  I am quite proud of all the work we were able to accomplish.  We put together the swings, moved the bed and other furniture, cleaned out the closets, hung curtains, decorated the house for Christmas, and organized Megan's clothes.  We had so much fun giggling and hanging out.  I also am working on getting the downstairs outfitted with curtains while Travis is working on getting the basement bar finished. It's amazing how having a baby can really light a fire under you!

My to-do-list is still long and overwhelming, but I feel like I'm finally getting a handle on things.  My priorities seem to be in the right spot--getting life ready for Megan. I'm not as concerned with the essays I have to grade, the cheers I have to teach, or the final exam I have to create.  I know (or hope) that it will all get done. As the weekend draws to a close, I know that I am most thankful for my relationships with the people that have graced my life. 

It Keeps Getting Better!

The farther I get along in the pregnancy, the more I realize the things that have changed in my life.  Here's my list of  how life has changed for me thus far:
1.  I can no longer easily shave my legs, put on socks or shoes while standing, or pick up something off the floor.
2.  I go to bed early and wake up early--we're talking in bed by 8:30 and up as early as 4:30am...and I love it!  Who knew!?!
3.  I cannot hop on the counter like I used. I actually tried it today and almost fell over.  "Bad Idea Jeans."
4.  I cannot touch my toes :-( 
5.  I cannot get off the couch without doing the old "heave-ho" motion.
6.  I cannot sleep through the night.  The back aches usually wake me from my slumber.
7.  I cannot motivate myself to eat healthy or go to the gym.  I hope that this changes soon.
8.  I cannot sit or stand for long periods of time.
9.  And finally I cannot imagine my life being more wonderful than it is right now!

Uh-oh

I feel like my to-do-list before February is a mile long.  Friends have told me making a list helps, so here it goes--a little preview of the things cluttering and clogging my brain...
1. organize office  2.  buy a crib  3. buy a car seat  4.  order white baby bedding  5. get sound machine (Trav's job)  6. order photo books (Galley Bay, Czech Rep and Holland, past trips, and pregnancy journey) 7. get Megan's room ready  8. organize closets  9. take tour of hospital  10. order cheerleading stuff  11. get final exam ready  12. get lessons done for 12 wks I'll be out  13. buy a dresser  14. buy curtains for downstairs and bedrooms 

As I look at the list, I see that most of the stressors are self-induced and few are pressing. Hopefully, I can now re-prioritize what really needs to be done before the big day! 

26 Weeks!

Time really does fly.  I can't believe we're already at the third trimester marker.  Overall, Megan and I are doing great.  I still love love love being pregnant.  Her movements are getting more pronounced.  Instead of slight jabs and kicks, I can actually feel waves of her moving. I guess that will happen the bigger she gets.  Last night Travis and I went to Ovo, the Cirque show. I guess Megan really enjoyed the music and her mom hanging on every dare-devil move because she was moving up a storm! Maybe we do have a little gymnast on our hands :-) 


I haven't been doing the greatest job lately of taking it easy.  Basketball cheerleading and my 6th graders have been keeping me on my toes.  I wish I didn't get so worked up over trivial things.  If only I could "lighten-up."  I'm hoping this 3rd trimester and the "nesting" mode will kick in to remind me of what is really important--providing Megan with a healthy environment for the next 14 weeks.  


I went clothes shopping for the first time last week since finding out I was pregnant.  What a different experience that was! Usually new clothes make me feel great about myself...well...not this time. I have gained over 20lbs, and it was naive of me to think that I was going to "look" the same.  So... I went and bought a cute pair of riding boots. After all, you don't have to take your clothes off when trying on shoes :-)

Showered with Love

 

 

Being able to celebrate our pregnancy with all of our family and friends is so special to us. I was overwhelmed with joy, love, and gratitude at the shower hosted by my wonderful friends at Chamblee Middle School. 

I was running a tad late to the festivities, but when I walked into the CMS library, I saw the most beautiful site--wonderful friends that I admire and respect and the CMS guys chugging baby bottles. It was awesome!  The fun continued as we took on the next challenge--which team could change a baby's diaper the fastest. I'm proud to say our team won, not because of my pitiful efforts, but because I was on a team with true mommy professionals! The decorations and balloons were decked out in pink and the food was fabulous. 

There were so many wonderful friends that had a hand in making the shower so special. It's true what they say--sometimes words are just not enough to express your gratitude. I also couldn't believe all the people that chose to stay after work and celebrate this happy time with us. As Travis and I were walking out, a flood of emotion consumed me. I hope that everyone has a chance to feel the way I felt last Tuesday night:  showered--in spades--with love!

A Different Kind of Trip

 ****Week 23****

Nothing makes me happier than feeling the intercoastal breeze from the Atlantic Ocean and seeing the Spanish moss hanging from live oaks that surround the Jekyll Island Club. 

We've been taking this annual trip with the Wages for the past three years. I knew this vacation would be different considering my co-pilot tagging along, but I have never felt more relaxed or more at peace than I do now. 

All in all, the pregnancy is progressing well.  I've gained about 15lbs, and I am getting used to seeing the scale increase at each doctor's appointment. My back aches a bit more each day, but my blood pressure and protein are normal, which they check at each appointment. The increase in estrogen has been wreaking havoc on my skin, but that is a small price to pay for a healthy little bean-pod.  I also have noticed the linea nigra line on my stomach.  I definitely don't love it and can't wait for it to disappear once I deliver Megan :-) My aversion to chicken persists--save for the chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-a. I'm trying to maintain a healthy diet free of too many bagels, but the elastic pants and flaring shirts don't offer much incentive. I hope to get the motivation to head back to the gym soon, but right now I'm just enjoying life.

As Megan continues to bop around my belly (especially when I blast a little Jewel and Britney), I sit in our room and hear the sweetest sounds--the boys hollering at the TV over the lack-luster performance by the Dawgs, the pounding of the keys on the keyboard, and the ringing of the bells on the bikes down below. I am starting to realize that although this trip is a different kind of trip than years past, it really doesn't get much better!

She's Really in There!

       ****Week 19****    
 ***Week 22*** 

      

                                                                                                                                                             

Weeks 21 and 22 have flown by so fast.  My stomach is getting bigger and bigger. I'm now fully in love with maternity pants. There were so many weeks and months that I forced myself to tug, dance, and shake my way into my old clothes. I have now conceeded to the elastic waist-band...and I love it!

Megan is also getting a lot more active. Her first moves felt like nothing more than belly-rumblings, but now it's quite obvious that she's really in there! I find myself stopping mid-sentence in a conversation just to put my hand on my stomach and feel her. 


Travis and I also registered a couple of weeks ago.  I surprisingly had a lot of fun.  I thought that it was going to be a stressful process.  After all, there are so many baby products on the shelves, and I am definitely not the type to do research, but Travis really helped me laugh and enjoy finding things for Megan. I'm sure there are things that we need that we didn't know to get, but we'll figure that out as time approaches.  


I am still loving my pregnancy. I decided to take a rest from the baby books and focus on the fun parts. I'm going to start learning nursery rhymes and other songs that I can sing to Megan once she arrives. I'm going to finally order her bedding, which will be crisp white linens with lace, ribbons, and bows. Finally, I'm going to finish my nesting list which includes organizing the office, outfitting the house with curtains, and adding to my recipe book. 

February 25th will be here before I know it.  I can't wait to meet this little one who is bouncing all around my stomach.  

The Half-way Point

***This picture was the first day I found out I was pregnant***

Welcome to our first baby blog! On June 19, 2010 I took my first of three pregnancy tests. You can say that I was in shock and disbelief when I saw the word 'pregnant.' I was so excited that there was no way I could keep this exciting news underwraps for 12 weeks.                                               

The timing of our pregnancy couldn't have been more perfect. During the first trimester, Travis and I traveled to the Czech Repulic and Holland to visit Tod, Nursel, and the kids. It was great to see them and get a lot of parenting advice.  When we returned home, the first trimester blues were in full swing. I thought being a teacher taught me what it meant to be exhausted, but I soon realized that the kind of exhaustion associatated with pregnancy takes on a whole new life.  I napped constantly and rarely felt like leaving the house.

Once we hit the 8-week marker, we started our monthly check-ups with the doctor.  On our first visit we got the chance to see our little bean-pod. There she was--so little and alive inside of me.  I've never witnessed or been a part of something so beautiful and miraculous. I usually am not a crier, especially in front of people, but I could not hold back the emotion as I heard her rapid 155 beat heart rate.  

Over the last five months, thoughts of Megan's arrival has consumed me.  I was obsessed with the size she was in terms of fruits and vegetables, and I couldn't read enough baby books and pregnancy websites.  I've learned, though, that I'm spending so much time anticipating and preparing for what's to come that I'm not fully enjoying the day-to-day joys of my first pregnancy.  From now on, I will try to not look too far ahead.  After all, Megan will be here before we know it :-)